DANIEL SIMONETTI FROM ST HELENS JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 89-YEAR-OLD WOMAN IN ASHTON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Daniel Simonetti, a resident of St Helens, was sentenced to an indefinite prison term following a heinous sexual assault on an elderly woman in her own home in Ashton. The incident occurred on March 11 of this year, when Simonetti, who was acting under the false pretense of being a trainee doctor, gained uninvited access to the 89-year-old woman's flat.

According to court reports, Simonetti, 31 years old and a Jehovah’s Witness, arrived at the pensioner’s residence around 4:30 pm. He was responsible for delivering her medication regularly, but on this occasion, he did not bring any medication. Instead, he forcibly entered her home, locked the door behind him, and proceeded to molest her. The assault was described as brutal, causing the elderly woman significant emotional and physical distress.

During the proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court, it was revealed that Simonetti had a troubling past involving a separate serious offence. Approximately 13 years ago, he indecently assaulted a four-year-old girl who was the daughter of an acquaintance. This incident was known to the authorities, but Simonetti was not prosecuted for it; instead, police issued him a caution. The court was told that Simonetti’s history of offending, combined with his current actions, marked him as a dangerous individual, especially towards vulnerable females.

Judge John Roberts, presiding over the case, sentenced Simonetti to an indeterminate term, emphasizing the severity of his crimes. The judge described him as “dangerous to vulnerable females” and expressed astonishment that he had not been prosecuted for his earlier offence. The judge stated that Simonetti’s assault on the elderly woman had caused her “immense pain” and trauma. The sentence requires Simonetti to serve a minimum of three years in prison, but the final decision regarding his release will be made by the Parole Board. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

Prosecutor Keith Sutton provided further details, explaining that Simonetti falsely claimed to be a trainee doctor, stating, “He said he had come to take urine and was a trainee doctor.” During the assault, Simonetti caused the victim to cry out, and he pretended to communicate with a medic over the phone. He then entered her bathroom, stayed there for a few minutes, and returned to lock the door again. A neighbor, concerned about the locked door, visited the flat and found Simonetti inside. He allowed her in and spoke with her before leaving the premises.

Following the assault, the victim was taken for a medical examination, which revealed bruises and swelling consistent with her account. The police were alerted, and Simonetti was arrested two days later at his residence on Roper Street, St Helens. He denied the charge of rape, which was subsequently dropped, but admitted to assault by penetration. It was noted that Simonetti has no prior convictions.

During the trial, defense lawyer Paul Treble highlighted Simonetti’s deafness and expressed his client’s remorse, stating, “He is contrite and regretful. He accepts it was a terrible offence.” The court’s decision underscores the gravity of Simonetti’s actions and the ongoing concern for the safety of vulnerable individuals in the community.